Numerical assessment of the differential interference in the ion - exchange planar waveguides covered with ferronematic layer

Abstract
This paper presents a numerical assessment of the differential interferometry phenomenon in a planar waveguide structure with a ferronematic cover layer. Planar waveguides were fabricated in BK-7 glass slabs utilizing the ion exchange method from a solution of the AgNO₃ in the NaNO₃. Planar waveguides were coated with aligning polyimide resin layer that ensures the homeotropic alignment of the ferronematic layer. Ferronematic was composed of the nematic mixture and magnetite nanoparticles of mean diameter 12 nm. The differential interference is caused by the interaction of the magnetic field with the ferronematic layer. An influence of the optical and geometrical parameters of presented interferometer on a differential interferometry phenomenon is analysed.